How to Buy Dress Shoes That Last

It's never a bad idea to have a nice pair of dress shoes in your wardrobe, but they can be expensive. So, how do you make sure you're getting what you pay for? Let's walk through a few tips that won't trip up your savings.

There are three things to look for when buying new dress shoes. The first one is quality leather. Check for little scars or imperfections in the hide. These blemishes could be a sign of untreated leather that won't last as long. Next, check the stitching, it should be neat and be barely noticeable. And lastly, the soles should be made out of leather and at least a quarter-inch thick.

Spending a little more on a good pair of shoes can really pay off in the long run. Experts recommend paying between $150 to $300 to get the best value. Do your homework and see what works for you.

Now that you know how to find the perfect pair, it's important to know how to maintain them to make them last. Keep your shoes on a shoe tree. This will allow them to contract and dry out to their ideal shape. And if your brand new shoes stain from water, snow or salt, there's no need to worry. Just dip a soft-bristled toothbrush in white vinegar and gently rub your shoe to remove the stain.

Before you run to the shoe store, remember these tips. You'll see that buying new dress shoes doesn't have to tread on your budget.

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10 Shopping Strategies to Rock Black Friday -- and Beyond

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How to Buy Dress Shoes That Last -- Savings Experiment

Two of the best sites to find deals are BlackFriday.com and DealNews.com, which also offer useful free apps and plenty of advice. DealNews rates deals with Editor's Choice labels. And remember, many stores will be open on Gray Thursday (the new retail-centric name for Thanksgiving), with Macy's (M) opening at 6 p.m. There will also be early-bird and night-owl specials, so you can develop an hour-by-hour itinerary. And remember: Before you buy, check out the return policies.

Sheets and linens are still cheaper during the traditional January white sales. Toys are often discounted much closer to Christmas. However, if it's a must-have hot toy, you may have to bite the bullet. Holiday decorations will be marked down the most the day after Christmas. Video games and DVDs may be marked down more if you can wait until after Black Friday week. The big Black Friday bargains this year will again likely be TVs and laptops.

After you have researched the sales, do a little advance showrooming. Try on apparel. Check out the doorbusters -- and alternatives if they sell out. Learn a store's floor plan, where to park, where to check out and where to find a restroom.

On the big day itself, remember your objective. Don't waste time and money on things you don't really want. Keep in mind that not everything labeled "sale" is a real bargain. Many stores will have guaranteed blockbusters, items that will definitely be in stock only for a brief amount of time, and you wouldn't want to miss out on these while distracted by tchotchkes.

Hackers and thieves are a serious problem. Try not to flash your debit card too frequently. You may prefer to use cash and stash it somewhere pickpockets can't easily access. As always, store valuables out of sight in between store visits. Be polite and patient so you don't become a holiday crime statistic. And know that despite the graphic footage of violence at Walmart and other stores every year, your odds are encountering such unpleasantness decrease every year as these stores are beefing up staff and staggering doorbusters. After the shopping, check your credit card statements to make sure no one hacked your accounts.

Best Buy will price-match items sold on Amazon. Many retailers have similar policies. You can also compare prices in-store with smartphone apps and websites like Smoopa and CamelCamelCamel. Bring store ads with you, so that if a desired item is cheaper somewhere else and the store you're at has a price matching policy, you're golden.

Sign up for loyalty programs and apps now so you can get promotions in your email or on your phone. Promotions are often released early to loyal shoppers. Target has a Cartwheel app. J.C. Penney (JCP) and Sears (SHLD) have loyalty programs called JCP rewards and Shop Your Way rewards.

Some of the best deals will be on Thanksgiving. Offers.com has a good updated list on store opening hours, and it may be worth it to rouse yourself from a turkey coma to shop, according to DealNews, which said 29 percent of Editor's Choice deals last year were from Gray Thursday. Following the hustle and bustle of Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, which since 2010 has promoted local retailers; Super Sunday; and Cyber Monday, which encourages people to shop from their office computers (with the best deals on clothes and shoes, DealNews concluded last year). On Tuesday, feel good knowing you've done all your holiday shopping without breaking the budget or your back.

The best way to stay focused is to dress comfortably, bring a buddy, stay hydrated and be prepared -- for anything. Keep your receipts and remember to ask for gift receipts. If you've done your research, showroomed and your apps, you should have a profitable, pleasant and safe holiday shopping season. And if you have any great tips, leave them in the comments.